server

um i kinda new @ this but i want to make a server and host a name.com
i use a windows xp any one have anytips for me, like what to get and what not. i just want my site like somethign to dl files from and host pics for my freinds.

Do you have a permanent internet connection (or a cable-modem/DSL)? Do you have a static IP address? Or does it change the whole time?

My advice would be to register a name that provides DNS as well, and configure the DNS to point to your IP address on your home machine. Then you can install Apache and configure it to serve out some files.

If your IP address is not static, then www.dyndns.org can help - they can provide DNS for IP's that change on a regular basis. See their site for more details. Note that providing DNS for a .com name is a premium service - you will have to pay them.

If this seems like too much hassle, then get some cheap virtual hosting.